Since the genocide in 1994, Rwanda's economy has grown dramatically, showing inspiring signs of development. However, nearly two in three people live in poverty and millions still lack safe water and basic toilets.

Uganda has been independent since 1962 but the government structure is still changing and many people have no access to basic water and sanitation facilities. Around a quarter cannot access clean water.

Swaziland is a small country surrounded on three sides by South Africa and bordering Mozambique to the east. HIV/AIDS is widespread amongst the population, making the need for safe water, hygiene and basic toilets even greater.

Zambia is one of the world's fastest growing economies, thanks to its rich resources and thriving agriculture sector. However, over half the population lives in poverty and millions lack clean water and basic toilets.

Ghana is rich in natural resources but many of its people are unemployed or live in poverty. Access to basic services is often inadequate, affecting people's health and preventing them from escaping poverty.

Although Liberia emerged from a long and violent civil war in 2003, the country is still being rebuilt and many live in poverty. However, there is strong political will to bring safe water and basic toilets to the millions living without.

Nigeria is the most densely inhabited country in Africa with a population of 158 million people and growing rapidly. Water and sanitation services are not keeping up with the demand, with devastating results.

Sierra Leone emerged from a decade-long civil war in 2002 but the country still faces many challenges. Two thirds of the population live in poverty, and millions of people lack access to safe water and proper toilets.

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. 150 million people are crowded onto low-lying land where annual monsoon floods contaminate water sources and leave millions of people with appalling sanitary conditions.

In mountainous Laos, over a third of the population don’t have anywhere to go to the toilet. WaterAid is currently planning how best to support Laos to increase access to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Nepal is a landlocked country with a beautiful but challenging landscape. Many people must make long, dangerous journeys to reach water sources, and just 37% of the population has somewhere safe to go to the toilet.

Pakistan is one of the most populous countries in the world but millions of its people lack safe water or a basic toilet. Extreme flooding and an unstable political landscape are just some of the challenges faced.

Papua New Guinea in the Pacific region is one of the most culturally diverse countries on the planet, but it is also one of the poorest. More than half the population lacks access to a safe water source or basic toilet.

Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002 following a 25 year war with neighbouring Indonesia. While there has been development and growth since, three in ten people still lack safe water and over twice as many have nowhere to go to the toilet.